EDIT:  Yes, there were 2 separate incidents in different states and tournament circuits today.  These are developing stories.  More information will be disclosed as it becomes available.

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At approximately 7:30 a.m. ET, emergency personnel responded to a boating accident on Lake Norman involving two vessels, including one operated by National Professional Fishing League angler Jessie Ayers of Antlers, Oklahoma.

 

More info: https://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_123/npfl-norman-41625.html

 

Separately, there was also a very serious fatality incident at a MLF event: https://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_123/mlf-accident-41625.html

The MLF Invitational stop 3 is at Smith Lake north of Birmingham.   According to reports a multi boat wreck around 7am caused at least one fatality this morning.   Lots of talk that it involved MLF anglers, but not much information is out at this time.   These guys could use some prayers, such a terrible thing for people to die while going fishing.   

 

Coroner: 1 dead in multi-boat crash on Smith Lake, authorities investigating | WHNT.com

 

A good reminder to stay safe out there, don't be in a hurry, and be very wary of foggy morning.   The fish will always been there.  

One news source is reporting it was an MLF angler. I won't name him here because I don't want to spread any potential rumors.

8 minutes ago, Koz said:

One news source is reporting it was an MLF angler. I won't name him here because I don't want to spread any potential rumors.

I'm hearing the same thing.

 

Absolutely heartbreaking.   

That’s terrible. 

Reports are saying the MLF accident involved Flint Davis.  

 

Here is Flint's boat

 

 

 

Prayers for family and those injured. 

Horrible news Prayers to all involved 

My thoughts and condolences for all involved 

Matt Lee said Jordan was one of the first to arrive at the scene at the Smith wreck. He also said the severe injuries were from boat not involved in tournaments but didn’t have a lot of details. 

My gracious that's sad 😢 

I was just about to post about Smith Lake. It broke in on our local news this am…I’m only about an hr north…

According to Allen Johnson 2 are dead. MLF angler hit striper guide with 3 others on board. Sounds like the guide clients are the ones who passed sway. 
 

MLF is cancelling event

Sad to hear. More than likely lawsuits to follow.

Geez. This is so sad. 

So very sad for all involved.

A-Jay

How terrible.  

1 hour ago, greentrout said:

Sad to hear. More than likely lawsuits to follow.

People have lost their lives. I’m sure the last thing anyone is thinking about or worrying about at this point is a lawsuit.

53 minutes ago, 12poundbass said:

People have lost their lives. I’m sure the last thing anyone is thinking about or worrying about at this point is a lawsuit.

Hate to say it, but in today's age, that's probably the first thing a lot of folks think about. 

Very sad. Life is fragile and needs to be appreciated everyday.

 

 

I just saw one news article where Flint Davis' girlfriend was asking for people to pray for him.

1 hour ago, 12poundbass said:

People have lost their lives. I’m sure the last thing anyone is thinking about or worrying about at this point is a lawsuit.

 

53 minutes ago, JHoss said:

Hate to say it, but in today's age, that's probably the first thing a lot of folks think about. 

Lawsuits aside.  There will no doubt be legal action taken whenever there is loss of life.   Responsibility will be assessed and folks could be found guilty of some level of manslaughter. Often includes incarnation. 

A-Jay

Flint is a young boater - all of us were young once and younger men tend to be a bit reckless and push the envelope. This is something he can't twke back and is going to have a lasting and dramatic effect on his life. All you can do is pray for all those involved... tragic.

41 minutes ago, A-Jay said:

There will no doubt be legal action taken whenever there is loss of life

As there should be. Early reports are saying there was fog and we all know pro anglers fly around at blast off with their hair on fire, fog or no fog. Recipe for disaster in fog and if the reports are true completely stupid.

In reduced visibility you should always proceed with caution. This is just terrible news.